December 10, 2012 -- The Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS) today announced the results of their third large-scale measurement study conducted at the 28th annual
Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) held in New Orleans, LA. The 2012 measurement study was developed to support the organization’s Certification Cognitive Examination development process, which will culminate in the industry’s first level-one personnel Certification program for portable 3D metrology. The study’s main focus was to test the methodology of practical testing rather than the evaluation of the measurement results. The 83-page report entitled “The Importance of Practical Testing” details the results and analysis of the interactive measurement study. Metrology is the science of measurement, and professionals in this field work in diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and more. The report can be downloaded at
http://bit.ly/UPMe0X.

Over a two day period, more than 90 CMSC conference attendees participated in a data collection activity that provided a hands-on challenge, regardless of experience with large volume measurement systems. The study was coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory (UK) and event sponsor Metrologic Group, assisted by members of the CMS Certification Committee, Coventry University, and volunteers from many OEMs and software developers in the metrology industry. Author Keith Bevan from the National Physical Laboratory performed statistical analysis of the study and compiled those conclusions into the new report, which was peer-reviewed by the organization’s Executive and Certification Committees.

An evaluation of the appropriateness of practical testing was undertaken during the measurement study, involving the use of an articulated arm and/or a laser tracker measuring either a dedicated test piece or a motorcycle product. Notably, over a third of the participants had less than 5 years of measurement experience, while 64% were veteran metrologists with more than 5 years of hands-on experience. 41% of the study’s participants take weekly measurements.

Nearly 95% participated in the measurement study conducted in 2011. A workshop was held on the third day of the conference to review the results and to ascertain information about future measurement studies for CMSC.

About the Coordinate Metrology Society

The
Coordinate Metrology Society is a membership of users, service providers, and OEM manufacturers of close-tolerance industrial coordinate measurement systems, software, and peripherals. The society gathers each year to gain knowledge of the advancements and applications of any measurement system or software solution that produces and uses 3D coordinate data. For more information about the CMS and how to join the organization, visit their web site at
http://www.CMSC.org.

About the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference

The
Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference is an annual event sponsored by the Coordinate Metrology Society. Established in 1984, the five-day conference is held each year at a different location, and attracts visitors from around the globe. CMSC has achieved world renown for its comprehensive program of top-shelf technical papers and applications presentations given by industry experts from science/research laboratories and leading manufacturing industries. No other trade show rivals the high level of authoritative information provided by CMS members and master users of metrology instrumentation, software, and peripheral equipment for quality control, quality production, and precision assembly and metrology-aided alignment. The CMS publishes the Journal of the CMSC, a bi-yearly publication featuring outstanding technical papers presented during the conference.